Quotes on Greed

Concerning greed, the counsel from Ecclesiastes speaks caution: “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase.” Jesus counseled, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” We must learn to separate need from greed. — President Thomas S. Monson, “Peace, Be Still,” Ensign, November 2002, p. 53

Those who are covetous and greedy, anxious to grasp the whole world, are all the time uneasy, and are constantly laying their plans and contriving how to obtain this, that, and the other. . . . How the Devil will play with a man who so worships gain! — Discourses of Brigham Young, 306

Men are greedy for the vain things of this world. In their hearts they are covetous. It is true that the things of this world are designed to make us comfortable, and they make some people as happy as they can be here; but riches can never make the Latter-day Saints happy. Riches of themselves can not produce permanent happiness; only the Spirit that comes form above can do that. — Discourses of Brigham Young, 306